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Automated frame machinery

Does anyone know the company that manufactures automated frame making equipment that the mass producers use? Thank you very much, I'm having a difficult time finding THE manufacturer or anyone that can do it and knows what they're doing.

Re: Automated frame machinery

Boy there has got to be hundreds of machine tool, water jet, lazer cutting machine that will do the job. Even jig and fixture the old fashion way. What kind of volume are you looking for and what are your plans for raw stock?

Re: Automated frame machinery

I'm having a difficult time finding THE manufacturer or anyone that can do it and knows what they're doing.

Contact Kim Flottum of Bee Culture. He was in Medina, OH when the A.I.Root Co. stopped making equipment. Maybe he knows what happened to the frame cutting machine.

I'm also pretty sure that there isn't just one machine for making frame parts. There probably is a Top Bar Machine, a Bottom Bar Machine, and an End Bar Machine.

I have seen folks who have all the jigs to make the parts using their table saw and radial arm saw.

You might wish to look for a copy of "Let's Build a Bee Hive" by Wilbert R. Miller, which came ouit in 1976. It has detailed plans and photos showing how to make the different cuts.

Do you plan on making frames to sell? I can't imagine making enuf frames to justify buying a machine otherwise. Unless you are going to make thousands and thousands for yourself.

The last time I was in Clarkson, KY, Mr. Kelley took me on a tour of his plant and I saw their machines in use making all manner of wooden ware. Maybe they would tell you who manufactured the machine you'd like to know about. It can't hurt to ask. Call all of the equipment dealers until you find one who will tell you.

Re: Automated frame machinery

The high end equipment today is programmable. You write a program and start feeding it boards. The machine makes the cuts and produces the end product faster than you can think of how it is doing the job. Unfortunately, equipment of that scale costs $80,000 and up.

Re: Automated frame machinery

He doesn't have to buy the equipment. He just has to locate a CNC house that will make what ever part you want to your design. He probably has a 60% margin to work with so volume will make a difference.
The whole thing is I am not sure what his intent really is. Research? Wants to compete in business? Looking to cut cost?

Re: Automated frame machinery

I need to purchase frame equipment to match the capacity of my box equipment. I'll have the capacity to produce about 1,200 to 1,500 boxes a day so I'd like to be able to produce 12,000 to 15,000 frames a day. I like the more automated machinery that allows me to manufacture woodenware with less labor costs and less liability.

I've made all of the the woodenware before on regular shop equipment but it's much too slow and there's more of a potential for accidents. Thanx guys. You've already given me some great advice!

Re: Automated frame machinery

Originally Posted by pahvantpiper

Does anyone know the company that manufactures automated frame making equipment that the mass producers use? Thank you very much, I'm having a difficult time finding THE manufacturer or anyone that can do it and knows what they're doing.